UFC 293 Result: Sean Strickland Shocks Israel Adesanya, Ascends To Middleweight Throne

Sean Strickland has possibly pulled off the biggest upset in the UFC’s history.

In the main event of UFC 293 this Saturday night in Sydney, Strickland shocked the combat sports fandom as he dominated Israel Adesanya through and through the five rounds to secure victory via unanimous decision and become the new UFC Middleweight champion.

“Tarzan” kept his dominance over Izzy right from the start, dropping “Stylebender” with a huge right hand in the first round itself. Adesanya, however, was able to recover before the bell.

Nonetheless, Strickland continued overpowering Adesanya for the remainder of the fight and even before the final bell, fans were already convinced that the 185-pound title will be changing possession. At the end of the fight, it was a 49-46, 49-46, 49-46 unanimous decision win for Strickland.

“What is this? What is this?” said Strickland, pointing to his belt after the victory. “Am I f***ing dreaming. Am I going to wake up? Someone hit me… I don’t cry much but I’m trying to keep my s*** together right now.”

UFC 293 FULL RESULT

Main Card

Main Event: Sean Strickland def. Israel Adesanya (c) via unanimous decision (49-46 x3) for the UFC Middleweight Championship
Co-Main Event: Alexander Volkov def. Tai Tuivasa via Round 2 submission — heavyweight
Manel Kape def. Felipe dos Santos via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28 x2) — flyweight
Justin Tafa def. Austen Lane via Round 1 KO — heavyweight
Tyson Pedro def. Anton Turkalj via Round 1 KO — light heavyweight

Prelims

Carlos Ulberg def. Jung Da-Un via submission (RNC) — light heavyweight
Chepe Mariscal def. Jack Jenkins via TKO (arm injury) — featherweight
Jamie Mullarkey def. John Makdessi via unanimous decision (29-28 x3) — lightweight
Nasrat Haqparast def. Landon Quinones via unanimous decision (30-27 x3) — lightweight

Early Prelims

Charlie Radtke def. Mike Mathetha via unanimous decision (29-27×3) — welterweight
Gabriel Miranda def Shane Young via Round 1 submission — featherweight
Kevin Jousset def Kiefer Crosbie via Round 1 submission — welterweight